The cannabis sativa plant that we all know and love is most commonly split up into 2 dominant categories – indica and sativa – and traditionally it’s been accepted they both provide vastly different effects. In fact, such 2 categories are so ingrained into cannabis culture that budtenders will only provide the option of one or the other.
This brings into question – what about hybrid weed? As in the best hybrid strains that are a mix of indica and sativa?
With its broad leaves and shorter flowering cycles, indica strains are understood to provide a relaxing, almost sedative body-high effect to its users while the taller, narrow-leaved Sativa strains are said to give its users a more energizing, cerebral head-high.
However, with more and more research coming out, this traditional Indica vs Sativa debate is slowly being debunked. Researchers are discovering that the plant-specific terpenes for each strain have more of an effect on the kind of “high” you get than whether or not your strain is an indica or sativa.
What does this mean for hybrid weed strains which are said to embody the best of both cannabis worlds? Said to be able to provide both the relaxing body high of an indica and the uplifting head high of a sativa, how do hybrid strains fit into this outdated, binary system? And what are the best hybrid strains?
What Is Hybrid Weed?
Hybrid weed is exactly what it sounds like – a hybrid. Simply, they’re a happy compromise between the two traditional extremes of sativa and indica.
Hybrid marijuana strains are made when cultivators breed 2 different parent strains to create a strain that embodies both of the parent strains’ effects. Since it doesn’t fall into the strict dichotomy of indica vs sativa, hybrid weed strains are an attractive option for users who know exactly what kind of effects they want out of their weed.
Typically, they’ll be labelled as either sativa-dominant or indica-dominant, depending on which parent strain’s influence is stronger. Hybrid weed strain cultivators also cross indica and sativa strains with each other, doubling up on their effects and creating a potent new cross-breed.
However, this doesn’t mean that these hybrid strains will prevent you from getting up off your couch or provide you with an energetic head-high, it just means that the indica or sativa effects will affect you more depending on which one is dominant. If it’s a cross between two strains of the same category, then you can expect an extremely potent hybrid weed strain.
Cultivators that cross-breed desirable strains sometimes may not even be seeking to meld the effects of two different strains. What is sometimes more prized by growers are a strain’s unique growing capabilities – how hardy a strain is against temperature fluctuations and how fast they can flower and produce bud. In this case, hybrid weed cultivators can create a phenomenal new strain completely by accident.
Now that we know what hybrid weed is, let’s get into our top 10 favourites!
10 Best Hybrid Strains
Blue Dream
A cross between the indica “Blueberry Kush” and the sativa “Haze,” this sativa-dominant hybrid is perfect for relaxing your entire body while providing a cerebral high. With its strong, sweet aroma reminiscent of its “Blueberry Kush” parent, Blue Dream is a popular day-time hybrid weed strain for users looking to give a little pep to their step without becoming too hazy.
Pineapple Express
Emblematic of the crazy, funny and mildly inappropriate blockbuster film “Pineapple Express” featuring Seth Rogen, Pineapple Express is a potent cross between sativa strain “Trainwreck” and another sativa strain “Hawaiian.” This hybrid weed strain doubles up on the sativa effects and provides a happy, euphoric energy boost for consumers.
Wedding Cake
With herbaceous notes of citrus and pepper, this hybrid weed strain blends the popular hybrid “Girl Scout Cookies” with the equally delicious hybrid “Cherry Pie.” Helpful in providing a relaxed state of mind and mental calmness – take this strain to prevent stressing out on any day. Wedding or otherwise.
Bruce Banner
Named after the illustrious, green-skinned Avenger – this strain is as hard-hitting as superhero it was named after. Boasting an incredibly high THC content through its parent strains “OG Kush” and “Strawberry Diesel,” this heroic hybrid cannabis strain is best used to combat stress, depression and pain.
Purple Kush
Eponymously named after the purple light, purple tinge of its leaves, this indica-dominant hybrid provides its users with stress-relieving, body relaxing and a mind-calming high. Born from crossing “Hindu Kush” and “Purple Afghani” strains, this strain won’t leave you feeling blue!
Strawberry Cough
This sativa dominant hybrid strain releases street berry notes of strawberry and has buds featuring short, dark red hairs. A cross between the strains “Strawberry Fields” and “Haze,” Its name is famously derived from the thick, dense clouds that this hybrid weed strain produces when it’s consumed – inciting its users to let out strawberry flavored coughs.
Bubba Kush
Boasting an average THC level of 23% and above, this heavily indica-dominant hybrid strain is perfect for relaxing after a long day. With sweet notes of bubble gum and honey, this cross between “Bubble Kush” and “Bubblegum Kush” provides pain and anxiety-relieving effects.
Skywalker OG
You won’t be feeling “the force,” but we can guarantee that this strain will have you flying as high as the Millenium Falcon. Bred by combining “OG Kush” with “Skywalker” strains, this indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strain is perfect for evening use for its ability to relax the body and alleviate insomnia.
Granddaddy Purple
With its dense, purple buds and strong grape aroma, it’s obvious to see where the inspiration for this hybrid marijuana strain’s name came from. Created from combining “Big Bud” with “Purple Urkle,” this indica dominant hybrid is for providing pain relief and relaxation.
Sour Tangie
This orange-lemon citrus blend originates from cross-breeding “Tangie” with “Sour Diesel.” Its invigorating citrus smoke is enjoyed by users for its ability to provide an uplifting, euphoric boost while also relaxing the body. This strain is perfect for users who are looking for a day time lull.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a cerebral head high or a couch-lock state of relaxation, hybrid strains have got you covered. Usually bred with already established potent and popular strains, hybrid strains are great for those of us who know exactly what we want out of our flower.
This list is by no means exhaustive, and new hybrid weed strains and crossbreeds are being bred each and every day! Focus on the effects that each strain can provide instead of the effects of the parent strains and you’ll be in good hands.
